Rusty's Coil VS Frankenlift

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:15 pm

I hesitate to start another thread on lifts, I guess it’s a topic that has turned into a broken record. :oops:

The STICKY and POLL threads regarding the lifts has been extremely helpful in my decision making.

I have narrowed it down to my last two finalist.

I’m wanting a lift that will provide the best off-road performance, the best on road comfort, and the least damaging to the KJ. It seems like the two most popular lifts are the Rusty’s Coil and the Frankenlift. :wink:

Please feel free to post any information and opinions on what you guys/girls think is better and the pros and cons of each lift. Let the debate begin…………and with respect of course.

humptyjumped · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:32 pm

were you trying to use every smily?

I don't think you can go wrong with either....

Rusty's more inexpensive, but frankenlift used more HD parts....

But is the HD parts worth the added expense (I think so).....

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:33 pm

Rustys.

Dont need to worry about the upper control arms. The CV boots will not wear out and tare.. Perfect lift for the liberty I must say.

Gringo Loco · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:35 pm

I have the frankenlift and like it alot. I did have to get Al's A-arms because my UBJ boot tore in 1 week. I would recommend Rusty's if you don't want the extra upgrades.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 6:09 pm

No experience with the Frankie. I have had the Rusty's lift on for over two years now. Not one problem.

Frankenlift will raise you up higher which is great, but as you have heard, a lot of people had to buy Jeepin Al's UCA's to fix contact issues. Not everyone has had to buy them though. Just note that it is a huge increase in cost along with the much higher cost of the Frankie. If money is not an issue, get the Frankie. If you want to be able to get other aftermarket items for the KJ and have a limited budget, get the Rusty's.

Science_Guy · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 6:22 pm

I have to agree with many of the posts above. IF you are NOT under a budget, want the MOST possible lift and also replace the UCAs from Jeepin Al, go with Frakenlift. If you are on a budget, looking for the most lift for your cash, and do not want to also replace your UCAs, go with Rustys (and do a clevis lift/rear isolator lift to get an extra .5 in from the lift).

2006 KJ · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:17 pm

in my opinon i think the frankenlift is constructed of better parts.. also it comes pre-assembled which was very nice.. and quick to install. i've had no problems with contact on anything.. and it gave me a full 3 inches of lift (with an extra upper rear isolater on both rear springs .. $12 from dealer). also offroad has been great.. i have 265/75/16's and they stuff the whole way in the rear (untill they hit the bump stops) without hitting the fender flare. plus the frankenlift raises the front slightly more than the back which i think makes it look meaner :twisted:

but.. it's also more expensive.. all depends on how much your willing to spend.. either one is GREAT and much much better than stock.

LostRenegade · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:34 pm

I've had the Rusty's coil lift on for about 2 years and 50K miles. It is pretty worn out now. I will be replacing it sometime soon.

It's a good lift for the price. I tow a lot durng the summer and I think that wore it out prematurely.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:47 pm

LostRenegade wrote:

I've had the Rusty's coil lift on for about 2 years and 50K miles. It is pretty worn out now. I will be replacing it sometime soon.

It's a good lift for the price. I tow a lot durng the summer and I think that wore it out prematurely.

If the front lift is still ok, you could get the OME HD rear springs. Thats what I use with the rustys front springs(2conduit nuts for clevis) and it sits perfectly level. If you want the rear higher, just add an extra upper spring isolator.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Thu Apr 26, 2007 5:28 am

Jeepjeepster wrote:

LostRenegade wrote:

I've had the Rusty's coil lift on for about 2 years and 50K miles. It is pretty worn out now. I will be replacing it sometime soon.

It's a good lift for the price. I tow a lot durng the summer and I think that wore it out prematurely.

If the front lift is still ok, you could get the OME HD rear springs. Thats what I use with the rustys front springs(2conduit nuts for clevis) and it sits perfectly level. If you want the rear higher, just add an extra upper spring isolator.

I didn’t realize that a lift could wear out. :oops:

I understand that shocks can wear out as they would with any application. But do the coils actually lose their ability to recoil or hold their tension? I had a 3” Pro Comp lift on my GMC truck, and I didn’t notice any problems with the lift wearing out or settling. I did have to replace the shocks after about 30,000 miles to a more heavy duty shock. Are the front and rear springs more durable on the Frankenlift verses the Rusty’s?

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:29 am

dieselenthusiast wrote:

I didn’t realize that a lift could wear out. :oops:

I understand that shocks can wear out as they would with any application. But do the coils actually lose their ability to recoil or hold their tension? I had a 3” Pro Comp lift on my GMC truck, and I didn’t notice any problems with the lift wearing out or settling. I did have to replace the shocks after about 30,000 miles to a more heavy duty shock. Are the front and rear springs more durable on the Frankenlift verses the Rusty’s?

LostRenegade said that he tows with his rig regularly. Its possible for spring to sag over time, more so if you tow alot.

I do believe the OME springs that the Franken uses are better than the springs that Rustys uses.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Thu Apr 26, 2007 8:17 am

According to All J’s, the Frankenlift is superior to all other lifts. They are also confident that it is the best designed Lift for the KJ with the best available equipment. But before I jump to conclusions, I’d rather hear it from you guys who are using and abusing these lifts.

Perhaps in this scenario we get what we pay for ????? I don’t mind paying for more if that means more equals better quality and longer lasting parts. From what I’m hearing, it sounds like if money isn’t the issue, then the Frankenlift might be the preferred choice? I think I’m leaning towards the Frankenlift unless someone can persuade me otherwise. I’m all about saving money, but it doesn’t seem like saving money is going to provide me with what I’m looking for. Thanks for all the input! Maybe when we move back WEST this summer, the L.O.S.T. ROCKIES group will help me install a LIFT if I pay my Membership Dues and buy all the Beer and Pizza. What do you think Tokyojoe?

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Apr 26, 2007 4:27 pm

I am not sure about now but back when I was trying to figure out what lift I wanted (late 04) seems some were saying that the Rustys would lose some height after a while and soften up. Rustys spring rates are not as high as OMEs so I am sure that is part of it, plus any will after a while but thats why I was either going with a Frankenlift which was just getting started good or OMEs which had a great history, plus those are what the Frankenlift uses also. I looked at what would give me the best ride, best handeling, longevity, and cost. So in that if I were you I would go with the Frankenlift or do what I did use OME Heavy Dutys not quite as much heighth (-1/2 inch or so maybe) but no upper ball joint contact either, just about but .... :lol:

But since you only mention the Rustys or Frankenlift then the latter

LostRenegade · **Posted:** Thu Apr 26, 2007 6:14 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

LostRenegade wrote:

I've had the Rusty's coil lift on for about 2 years and 50K miles. It is pretty worn out now. I will be replacing it sometime soon.

It's a good lift for the price. I tow a lot durng the summer and I think that wore it out prematurely.

If the front lift is still ok, you could get the OME HD rear springs. Thats what I use with the rustys front springs(2conduit nuts for clevis) and it sits perfectly level. If you want the rear higher, just add an extra upper spring isolator.

Thats exactly what I am doing. I should have the OME HDs in on Monday. The fronts are still OK. I've added the strut plate and a 1/2 inch clevis to compensate. I will do the fronts later this summer.

AKboarder87 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 30, 2007 1:01 am

On Rusty's website it mentions that the lift kit is for year models '02-'05. Will these still work on '06 and newer?

spencevans · **Posted:** Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:50 am

I would say go with the Frankie. AllJ's and OME stand behind the Frankenlift and there service is second to none. I went with the Frankie because my last lift (Rocky road OTT) was killing my front struts every 30k miles. Go with the Frankenlift II.

Rusty's Coil VS Frankenlift

Who is online